Wanna trade?

So, today, my mama came to visit... and she brought freshly-picked blueberries with her... YUmmmm!  It only made sense to then have some brunch & buttered coffee :0)

Buttered coffee would be a twist on bulletproof coffee, I guess. Bulletproof coffee is the addition of grassfed butter and MCTs (mono chair triglycerides), or coconut oil to coffee.  If it sounds wacky, just remember - creamer is butter, after all!  Well, butter plus a whole buncha other crud.  

My mama typically puts lots of creamer (hello, artificial sugars and sweeteners), and sugar in her already-fake-flavored coffee (as I used to, as well).  Today, she sampled my daily hot drink: Nutribullet-ed coffee + grassfed butter + coconut sugar.  Yes, she liked it :)

In exchange for the fresh blueberries, I gave my mama a large jar of my homemade detergent.  (Ok, so I'd have given it to her, anyway, without the blueberries...)  

I've been using this laundry soap recipe for about a year and a half, now, and have no plans to ever go back to regular, store-bought detergent:  http://beingcreativetokeepmysanity.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-laundry-soap.html  

These are the ingredients needed to make nearly 2 gallons' worth of this dry, homemade laundry soap (you can find the specific amounts at the link, above).  This recipe lasts our family several months.

The benefits of homemade laundry soap are:  

*It's much healthier, gentle and non-irritating, which makes it great for those with sensitive skin.  Two of our kiddos will have eczema flares with exposure to artificials like perfumes, dyes, and fragarances. Their skin is happy, happy with this recipe.

 *It truly cleans clothes better, as the ingredients are actually cleaning the clothes, by pulling out stain and odor - rather than just covering it up with artificial fragarances, etc. It actually has great stain-fighting ability - it has pulled the grass stains out of our Little Leager's baseball pants time and time again.

*It's cheaper!  Plus, you don't have to lug around any bottles or boxes of laundry from the store, anymore :)

I think I made a good trade!

Our First 2 Days, In The Books.

 Here we go!  Truly.  This is going to be a ride. We have our first two days of homeschooling in, and I can tell it already; this is going to be an amazing, crazy, beautiful, dream of a journey.  Not a dream in the relaxing, luxurious, vacation-type of way... oh, noooo... HA!  But a dream, in the rewarding, fulfilling, can't fill up on my kids kind of way, and a dream nonetheless.  A dream of daily discoveries in a world of wonder, THEIR wonder.  

We've made our way through narrations and bible passages, copywork, and multiplication.  Yes, we are working hard. They, at their school work, and me, at trying to figure out the best balance of mom, teacher, disciplinarian, & encourager.  I was happy to find that, on the first day, they seemed to immediately accept my transition from mom to teacher.   Phew.  lol

Now, don't get me wrong - it's not all rainbows and unicorns over here.  True, the looks of unlocked potential, and the excitement over a job well-done outweigh the sibling pestering and limit-pushing (just BARELY, at some times!).  But, we've also had some not-so-shining moments under this roof.  

Case in point:  

3rd grader = guilty party

Ava is embracing this more than I thought she would.  At her age, she wasn't entirely sure this would be super fantastic.  She misses seeing her friends, at times, of course, but I am so impressed, so far. She is working hard at everything.   I am so proud of this girl!  She's stepping it up around home, and I've already seen major gains in Math, utilizing the CD ROM (Earbuds = increased ability to focus.  Holla!) for  instruction and then completing her assignment, with one-one-one instruction from me, with any problems that weren't answered correctly.  She loves the no-homework part of the deal and is banking on the idea of weeknight sleepovers leaking into the homeschool equation. She's also very excited about being on Valley Homeschoolers' Middle School Volleyball team.  I'm excited to see her excited.  Vball team bonding event/bonfire tonight.  Girls AND Moms :0) 

Soren is mission-minded.  I'm not referring to the typical definition in being mindful of sharing the Good News with the ultimate goal of worship (although he does show interest in that, as well).  What I mean is that he cannot.get.done.fast.enough.  Not because he wants to be done, but because his motor is always runnin'.  Conquer. Just conquer.  His strong subject is Math, and he likes trying to be silly during everything else.   Although... he is starting to really enjoy the stories for narration, from his, "Writing With Ease" English text.  Personally, I'm really wondering if he has always entertained (?) his past teachers with his CONSTANT HUMMING while he works?!  What Soren loves about homeschool, is that he can run up and down the sidewalk for a break, whenever he feels the need... which is a lot. :)  He's also excited for First Lego League.  

Consistent with Soren's need to make others laugh... he took an opportunity to do so, on day 1, during our Bible Time.  In addition to devotions and verse memory work, we are using a book from My Father's World curriculum for part of our bible time, called, "Window On The World".  Its focus is to help make children aware of the great need to pray for those who have never heard of Jesus, as well as other specific prayer needs for people both here, and in other countries.  I asked if any of the kids knew the name of the red 'dot' that Indian women traditionally wear on their foreheads (as India was the focus of the afore-read material). Soren immediately and emphatically responded with, "I believe it's called the 'tomato touch'."  Oh dear! :(  We did learn its correct name - "Bindi", and my many apologies to you, Erika Hoyord, if you or any of  your Indian relatives are reading this! ;D

My Gressy!  This one is on Cloud Nine.  She is thrilled to be able to be able to get up and down and move around, and take frequent breaks for "free time".  The two of us have decided a "free time drawer" is in order, for her to stay busy and in school mode when in between her subjects, and while I help her sibs.  She takes great pride in her drawer, filled with copywork, spelling words, workbooks, art projects, and extra math practice and reading.  She is incidentally doing schoolwork the entire time :0)  Well.. in between cartwheels and burpees.  The best part of homeschooling to me, in terms of this kid, is watching her reading completely blossom!  I LOVE NEW READERS!!  She is absolutely eating up the A Beka reading curriculum and this is SO. FUN.  She has been taking her readers along with her, wherever we go.  What's better than knowing your child is finding true joy and satisfaction in reading?!  Love.  1st grade rocks.

These kids are growing way too fast, as is cliche, and, of course always the case when it comes to kids.  Watching them think out loud, ask sincere questions (sooo many!), struggle at times, and then rejoice with them when they learn, is certainly a complete privilege.  So thankful. 

"For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

"This is what I did on my first day, daddy..."

And I shall call them...

Primal Cookie Dough 

Protein Bites

Gahhhhh!  These are simply mah-velous :) I've been on the hunt for a primal protein ball recipe.  One, that is, that tastes good. ;D 

A couple of nights ago, I had the bad luck (ok, no, I'm straight up clumsy a big majority of the time)of dropping our laptop to the hardwood floor, shattering its screen.  Rather than deal with the disappoint of that, I decided to get in the kitchen and make up my own blasted ball recipe.  Here's what I came up with:

ingredients:

1 c. salted cashews

(this is approx. 21g protein)

2/3 c. seedless/pitted whole dates

1 tsp real vanilla

1 tsp sea salt

1 Tbsp H20

2 Tbsp dark/cocoa chocolate chips 

(We love Ghiradhelli)

*Adding protein powder to these(maybe vanilla)would be an easy way to up the protein content even more. 

Begin by blending your dates in a 

food processor.

The result will be a thick date paste, like this. Dates are a super alternative to sugar as a sweetener, especially in baking.  Remove date paste from processor and place in bowl.  

Next, grind cashews in processor.  This took me, literally, about 4 or 5 seconds. You don't want to beat the life out of these nuts; some remaining texture is a 

tasty thing! 

Now, mix the sticky date paste and ground cashews together.  It takes a tad bit o patience to thoroughly combine.  Then, add the remaining ingredients and mix well, adding enough water to help prevent the "dough" from crumbling.  Form into balls, and store in the fridge.  You've got a healthy snack with nutritional fiber & protein, cholesterol free, and also high in monosaturated fat (fatty acids).  

Wasn't that wayy too easy...? 

The Salt and the Light : School of Life

Today, I spent a whole lot of uninterrupted time just trying to choose which homeschooling aspect to work on, first... I decided to revisit the ideas and reasons that helped us decide that this path is for us.  Many homeschools have a mission statement - a few sentences that state how homeschooling got on their radar, and why they choose this path of education as the best one,  for their family.  Here is our mission statement:

The Salt and the Light : School of Life

Our Family's Mission Statement

2013 - 2014

Our family’s mission is to develop life-long learners with an indestructible faith in Jesus Christ, our only Savior from all sin and death.  We acknowledge that this is gained through prayer, and from reading and hearing biblical truths.   We are committed to providing  a strong and solid educational foundation for our children, using their passions and learning styles as helpful assets in achieving this.  We will maintain a Christian worldview.

We will place great priority on enhancing, respecting, and celebrating genuine  and loving relationships with each other, while reminding ourselves that both abilities and struggles, & similarities and differences are all God-given.  

We will enjoy the privilege of instilling an eagerness and joyful willingness in our children to continually seek to understand & carry out God’s unique plan for each of their lives.  We will strive to raise children that will grow up to be kind, well-adjusted, well-prepared adults, one day too soon; responsible citizens, aware of others’ needs, who internally desire to be the salt and the light with every opportunity. 

Any, and all, of this will be accomplished only through the almighty power, strength, grace, and everlasting love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Chicken with Creamy Garlic Zucchini Noodles

I am going to go ahead and call day 1 of this week's meals a success! 

I bought myself a fancy-schmancy (or, if you've played with one, before, maybe not...) julienne slicer at Wire Wisk, and tonight, discovered the extreme awesomeness that is veggies disguised as noodles.

julienne slicer

Chicken with Creamy Garlic Zucchini Noodles

Heat 3 TBSPS of olive oil in skillet, over med-high heat.

When warmed, add 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

Sprinkle each side of the breasts with salt and pepper.

Brown until desired done-ness.

Turn down heat to low.

Prepare the zucchini noodles as below.

Ingredients for Garlic Zucchini Noodles:

4 large zucchini

4 TBSP bacon fat/drippings

             (I know-I never saved this, either, until I went Primal.  Do it.Trust  me.)

4 TBSP grass fed butter

2 tsp sea salt

2 TBSP garlic

Method:

Using the julienne slicer, make zucchini into noodles.

Heat bacon fat in skillet, over med-high heat.

Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook about 5mins - 

just enough to soften them.

Remove from heat.

Add butter, garlic, and sea salt.  

Toss to combine and enjoy!

Serve with the pan-fried chicken.

The flavor of these is so good, and the texture of the noodles is groovy- very similar to a traditional noodle! Andddd... Mikey (Soren) liked it.  "This is... is... good!"  Yessss.  Can't wait to make these again :)

Primal Menu Planning

Well, another weekend is coming to a close... that means it's time for me to get my recipe situation for the week in order, so I don't have to do the dinnertime scramble.  This is last week's menu:

I started posting our dinners on our dry erase board in the kitchen, and this actually helped achieve nearly 100% compliance with the menu.  I like planning for a week at a time.  It's a long enough time, to avoid extra trips to the store, and a short enough time frame, for all ingredients to stay fresh.  Also, looking ahead to the week helps me consider what days we may not be home for dinnertime, and what else will be going on each day.  This helps me know how much dinner prep I will or won't have time for, each day, and then plan the meal, accordingly. 

Dry erase board menu display is fantastic for more than one reason:  

1. Obviously, it means that I have a plan in place, which means I don't have to do any last minute planning - it's done, once the menu is up.  It also helps hold me accountable each day, to prepare and serve a healthy meal.  

2.  By choosing recipes and then buying the necessary ingredients, waste and spending are reduced, and unnecessary purchases are avoided.

  

3.  (This one is the best one.)  I was expecting resistance from the kids.  I thought that once they spied items they didn't like up on the board, I'd hear all kinds of whining.  But no - they seemed to focus more on the meal option(s) that they did like (I definitely kept that in mind and tried to include those foods), and then looked forward to those: "WEDNESDAY IS ORANGE CHICKEN?! YES!!"

So... I guess I'd better get crackin' on this week's menu.  We started the week off tonight, with grass fed T-bone steaks with a paleo steak sauce + a cucumber salad, using garden-fresh cukes. Yummmm!

Simple Cucumber Salad (via The Paleo Mom): http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/07/recipe-simple-cucumber-salad.html

Basic Steak Sauce (via Eat Live Grow Paleo): http://www.eatlivegrowpaleo.com/2012/10/basics-steak-sauce.html?m=1 

I still can't get over how much easier it is to cook now, vs when I wasn't cooking Paleo/Primal!  If you're on the fence, considering this lifestyle... jump over! Now!  It's quite tasty over here :)

We're All Gettin' Schooled.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." 

- William Butler Yeats

Today is an exciting day for our family :)  We received the bulk of our homeschooling materials via UPS.  Finally, I can page through the materials and start to formulate a more specific plan!  Shreiks, questions, and random thoughts have also arrived with the texts and workbooks, via the shorties.  I like it.

I also spent the morning visiting, planning, and envisioning our new journey with my friend, and partner in this new adventure.  The boy was away at basketball camp, but the girls were home while we chatted (and tried out a new, delicious recipe from Delighted Mama!).  Here is the recipe; they are divine (I never claimed to be non-tangential in convo or blogging...)

Paleo Almond Butter Blondies

http://www.delightedmomma.com/2013/07/almond-butter-blondies-paleo.html

During the free time my girls had with my friend's newly-turned-one-year-old-cute-as-can-be-walker, I observed a lot of goodness.  The two of them were able to keep super sweet, baby Charlie happy and safe for (mostly) the entire time.  This involved finding toys he was interested in, anticipating his abilities and struggles, changing his diaper, and even lying him down for a nap after readying the bedroom for slumber (pulling the shades and rocking/soothing him)!  The BEST part, for me, was that these strong-willed girls accomplished these tasks  t o g e t h e r, p e a c e f u l l y...!  I think that HAD to involve some type of compromising.  WINNING.

While I realize the enormity of this job that is now layed out in front of us - becoming responsible for our kids' education, I know in my heart that it is the right thing for our kids.  This was very much, a prayer-led decision.  I'm betting that I will also be learning a LOT while spending these days with them - A lot WITH them, and a lot more ABOUT them.  I look forward to more opportunities for them, like today: simple, and meaningful experiences with others that allow them to continue to grow into themselves and foster kindness. I feel like by taking a step back, we have been given a huge gift of time.

As my friend was leaving, her arms full of books and baby, my 7 yr old noticed that she could be of help, grabbing her last item, and marching proudly outside to put it in her minivan.  I'd say today's "lesson" left her feeling pretty content :)  

Read more about our prayer-led decision to begin homeschooling, and my initial thoughts on the subject, here:  http://www.thesearethedayze.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-un-rumor.html

No-Bake, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

No-Bake.  I love that word. It seems to mean, "less work", in my mind.  This yummy primal treat IS very little work, and with only 2 ingredients, you really CAN'T go wrong :)  

No-Bake, Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Cups

Ingredients:

Dark Chocolate, melted over stovetop

Almond Butter, melted over stovetop

Peanut Butter Cups are my daughter, Ava's fAvOriTe candy.  With a mile-long ingredient list, tho, this idea sounded much better.  And these are such rich goodness, that "just one" is truly enough - enough to curb any chocolate craving!

Line muffin tin with liners.  Place two spoonfuls of melted dark chocolate into each tin.  

Place in freezer for 8-10".

Remove from freezer and spoon enough melted almond butter in each tin to cover the chocolate layer.

Place in freezer for 8-10" again.

Remove from freezer and spoon chocolate laer over almond butter layer.

Place in freezer for 10

Remove, and enjoy the easy peasy, creamy goodness!

Primal Orange Chicken

YuM!

So, I was making my daughter's birthday cake (nope, not primal!)...the other night, and had skipped dinner, because I was out shopping for last minute necessities to make her koala-themed birthday all she dreamed of... Thankfully, I have a husband who is so willing to help make our crazy world go 'round!  While he was hanging streamers and blowing up balloons, I tried this new concoction.  The results were terrific!  Sooo good; I think the kids will eat it, too, next time :)

Primal Orange Chicken

  Ingredients:

* 4, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite size pieces)

* 5-6 Tbsp fat (coconut oil works really well!)

* juice of 2 oranges

* 2 tsp fresh ginger

* 6 Tbsp wheat-free/gluten-free soy sauce

* 2 tsp chili garlic sauce

* 2 tsp raw honey

* 6 green onions, chopped

In a medium size sauce pot, add the orange juice, ginger, soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic sauce.

Set over medium heat and let simmer to reduce and thicken while the chicken cooks. 

In a saute pan, heat the fat of your choice, over medium high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until a nice brown crust has developed on the chicken pieces, about 6 minutes. 

Add the chicken to the sauce pot and stir to coat with the orange sauce. 

Serve topped with sliced green onions. Taste your oranges. If they don’t taste orangey, then neither will this...

Benefits, vs marketed orange chix: no MSG or partially hydrogenated-anything, no high fructose corn syrup, verrrry little sugar, quality chicken, no preservatives, and gluten free!

I

American Teenagers on the Loose!

Yep, it's my first non-food post.  I did say, "All Things Primal"... right?  :)  The ideas going through my head right now, in relation to the little people I live with, are very primal... read on...

Ready or not, I have very little time before I'm the mom of a teenager. 1 year, 3 months, & 1 day, to be exact.  But hey, who's counting.  So, lately, I've been thinking a lot about that word. Teenager.  It hardly has a positive connotation in our culture, does it?  We often think, rebellion... irresponsibility... poor choices... Dun Dun DUN....  Even those of us with 'responsible' Tweens may find ourselves wondering how much this new breed is to be trusted with.  Hmm.  Has that always been the case?  The idea of a Teen, has changed from being a work in progress on their way to adulthood, into a sub par human being, expected to screw up everything.  So when did this view and even the name, 'Teenager', begin?

This is a picture of our oldest daughter and her daddy, dancing at a 1950s Sock Hop at school last fall. She was nearly 11 yrs old here.  This was at a time when she was a wonderful mix of childhood fun, and growing independence.  Clearly, not yet embracing full-on Teenager, as she is hand in hand with her wig and glasses-clad father!  

   

Prior to WWII, Youth, as they were called, had very little independence.  They were at a time in their lives where males were preparing for entrance into the military, or finding a job to help support both their current and future families.  Females were learning how to run a home, and how to become a dutiful wife and take care of a family.  Youth were expected to take life seriously.  

When the 1950s arrived in America, expectations for this age group changed.  The economy was now thriving, and everyone, including Youth, had more independence in all areas of life.  This resulted in Teens having more economic freedom and increased socialization time with peers, as well. All of this newly-found freedom, led to conflict with parents.  Rock and Roll hit the scene... the media played on all of this, portraying Teenagers as delinquents.  All of this, sounds like the perfect set-up for a self-fulfilled prophecy to me!  Soon, the term 'generation gap' was coined and now what do we have? We have division between children (Teens or not) and their parents, and expectations on both ends of disobedience and rebellion, as part of being a 'normal' Teenager.

Well.  I have heard that in some countries or cultures, the word, "Teenager" doesn't even exist!  Imagine!  I came across this article from,  "A Thomas Jefferson Education", and it is REALLY worth the read! REALLY.    ://www.tjed.org/2011/04/youth-versus-teenager/  

Let's raise our children to be responsible Youth, not Teenagers! Then, just perhaps, our 14 or 15 yr old daughters will still be able to dance, hand-in-hand with their costumed daddy, without the idea of it being, "uncool".  

All Yogurt Is Not Created Equal!

So, I've been making my kiddos smoothies for quite some time.  They really like yogurt, and making a smoothie variation seems like the best way to get a whole lotta' goodness down them, at once.  I'm always playing with the ingredient list, trying to add more wholesome things without altering the taste...  

Awhile back, I discovered Greek Gods Vanilla Honey Yogurt.  Perfect, I thought - live and active cultures, and it's advertised as being sweetened naturally.  I figured I was saving myself a step here, then, as I wouldn't need to add honey separately, then.  

Here can be found, the ingredient list, as listed on Greek Gods' webpage, for their Greek Vanilla Honey Yogurt:  http://greekgodsyogurt.com/html/yvanillahoney.php.  Take a look.  It lists ingredients as: Pasteurized Grade A Milk, Cream, Pectin, Honey, & Vanilla, and active cultures. You'll see that, per 1 cup servings, listed sugar is 5g and protein 11gm.   Hmmm.... What?? That's not what I remember being surprised to see on the back of the exact same container I have in my fridge!?  

Sure enough, I grabbed mine, and here is what I see, for the very same container size of Vanilla Honey:

(

That's right.  Ingredients:  Cultured Pasteurized Grade A Milk, SUGAR, honey POWDER (huh?), Vanilla EXTRACT, Whey, & Pectin.  Huh?!  Also, listed sugar content for that same 1 cup serving, is 32g, and protein 8g!  I'm not marketing magician, but it seems someone here, is!  I definitely didn't plan to give my kids 32 grams of sugar in every smoothie!!  

So I made a switch.  After reading many labels, I have confirmed that anything that is not plain, and unflavored, most likely has something artificial, added.  Now I am using a plain greek yogurt (Greek yogurt has TWICE the protein as plain yogurt!), and adding just fruit and honey.  It. Is. Delicious.  Even the finicky, texture-sensitive baby of the family says so :)  And the only ingredients listed on the yogurt, are: milk, cream, and live and active cultures: the way it should be.  Oh, and protein content is a whopping 22g per 1 cup serving!  Amazing how much good stuff is left in a product when it isn't diluted with crap.... ;)

Gressa's Raspberry Honey Smoothie

1 c. plain, unflavored greek yogurt

1 to 1 1/2 c. raspberries, fresh or frozen

1/4 c. organic skim milk

raw honey, to taste (about 2 Tbsp)

Mix all in blender/food processor and enjoy!

Ava's Blueberry Vanilla Honey Smoothie

1 c. plain, unflavored greek yogurt

1 to 1 1/2 c. blueberries, fresh or frozen

1/4c. unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or sub organic skim milk) 

raw honey, to taste (about 2 Tbsp)

1 Tbsp milled flaxseed

1 Tbsp vanilla protein powder

Mix all in blender/food processor and enjoy!

In the picture above, I had been experimenting a little.  I blended a small amount of yogurt with some raspberries and honey, and then mixed it into a large amount of plain greek yogurt.  I stored in fridge for great alternative to sweetened/flavored yogurt on the market :)  Of course, another option is to make your own yogurt... I, personally, haven't taken that plunge yet, but I know that there are those who have.

Folks, read your labels.  Every time!

2 month Primal-versary!

Hi everyone!  I am soo excited to have pulled some beginning thoughts together into a blog!  And what better day to launch, than on my 2 month Primal-versary?  Since beginning the Primal lifestyle, I have learned soooo much... the number one thing I've learned, is that I have a LOT more to learn!

I was encouraged by my CrossFit Vanguard family (you can find their fb page, here: https://www.facebook.com/crossfitvanguard ) to start eating this way.  It feels too hard.  Yep.  It feels like I won't enjoy life without sugar and processed junk.  Yep.  Truth is, you can find every excuse out there, to not try this, if you want to.  But do your research, and give it a try, and I don't think you'll ever look back.

I'm learning that Paleo, Primal, Clean eating looks a bit different for each person.  Everyone has different sensitivities and intolerances/preferences that make tweaking somewhat necessary.

Basic Primal Food Pyramid

What does Primal eating look like for me?  It's mostly as above... I do include more fruit.  My main focus is to stay away from white flour, white sugar, sugar in general, and anything processed (ie, ingredient list).  Simply cutting out junk, by default, forced a cleaner diet.

Benefits of Primal eating that I have noticed (most of these I noticed within the first 3 days):
*increased energy levels
*more stable energy and mood levels throughout the day
*disappearance of daily 'carb fog'.  I noticed this on day 1 without sugar.  I used to feel so sleepy after lunchtime... I would "perk" myself up with a soda or coffee, and usually some candy!  Guess what?!  I perked up, alright!  And then I crashed!  Up and down, all day.  Sadly, It'd been so long since I'd had a sugar-free day, I didn't even realize that these sugar highs and crashes were riddling me.
*improvement of seasonal allergies

The next question I tend to get, is, "Does your whole family eat this way?"  Yes, and no.  Hubby is Primal.  Happy 2 month Primal-versary, honey :)  The kids... it depends.  I would like a do-over on this.  I would not feed them as much grains/processed carbs, as I once did.  New Moms!  Holla!  For instance, if I make a roast, with carrots and potatoes, and a side of fruit, they will mostly eat the fruit and potatoes, with a little veggies and meat.  Meanwhile, my husband and I will stick to the meat and veggies, maybe a little fruit.  At least we are all eating the same meal, and there is only one.  I'm totally over making more than one lunch/dinner, etc. at one time! Been there, done that (That's also where that do-over comes in).  I do hope to broaden their horizons some, in regards to expanding their tastebuds' acceptance... there are things they simply won't eat.  Sigh.  On the upside, they've never been allowed an abundance of sugary treats or processed snacks, so that part isn't too tough. Snack times are usually fruit. Dang it, the cereal runs rampant over here, still, though! (Did someone say something about a do-over..??)  I am also making mini changes, all of the time.  I have found that making their grilled cheese (yep, bread, but at least it's of the minimally processed, no high-fructose corn syrup variety) with coconut oil, makes a mean sammich :)  Baby steps... I intend on baby steps alll the way to gluten-free for them. Ok. Enough on that!

How about you?  What's holding you back?  I challenge you to just try it for a day.  One day.  Report back and see if you don't feel better.  In the meantime, I should get back to the meal planning for the week!  Looking ahead at our week and anticipating when we are home for mealtimes, etc., is the primal-planning lifeline.  The planning on the front end, really makes all systems go.  In the meantime, I will have a bazillion primal thoughts swirling around in my head, for the next post!  All Things Primal... not solely food.  Let's get back to basics!